The modern architecture sector depends on the latest, most advanced technology, just like any other world industry. Digital design software is no exception. While there are many pieces of equipment that modern architects can't function without, the most essential is the tools that allow them to create their magic.

Physical models, blueprints, concept drawings, these traditional techniques aren't enough to wow your clients today. They expect more from architects, simply because they know how advanced architectural technology is today. Today, they expect to see more details and the most vivid virtual representations.

The latest advances in 3D modeling allow modern architects to populate entire buildings and design amazing interiors down to the tiniest detail. We're going to list some of the pieces of equipment that help modern architects accomplish that wow effect. Learn about their pieces, features, and more.

1. ActCAD 2020 Professional - $299

ActCAD is a professional grade tool for both 3D modeling and 2D drafting. This software is loaded with amazing functions, options, and features. You can get your hands on this piece of equipment for just $299.

This modeling software utilizes the latest technologies from Tiegha, ACIS, and IntelliCAD to deliver high-speed performance and the most reliable results.

It includes many innovative add-on tools like 5000 standard block libraries, image convertor that converts images to DXF format, PDF to DXF converter, etc. It's a simple and easy-to-use ActCAD with an excellent user-friendly interface and useful commands.

Pricing overview

The initial price for ActCAD 2020 Professional starts at $299 as a one-time payment per user. Unfortunately, there isn't a free version of the tool available. However, there's a free trial.

Platforms

You can use ActCAD on platforms like:

●       Installed Windows

Training methods

This is a perfect tool for creating training documentation and organizing webinars.

Professional features

In terms of architecture, ActCAD 2020 Professional is a real treasury of professional features for modern architects:

●       2D drawing

●       3D modeling

●       Drafting

●       Bills of material

●       Document management

●       Project management

●       Presentation tools

●       Quotes/proposals

●       Design-templates

●       Architectural symbol library

Who is it for

●       Mechanical, civil, structural and electrical engineers

●       Architects

●       Interior and exterior designers

●       Garment industry

●       Technical consultants

●       Students

2. FreshBooks - $7.50 per month

Monitoring your performance is one of your top priorities, regardless of what your business or industry is. With that in mind, FreshBooks is the next piece of equipment in the line that will make your efforts much more fruitful.

It's a highly useful tool that allows you to track the performance of your work with ease. Many modern architects use FreshBooks to know where they are in the process, how their work is performing so far, what things they need to change, adjust, etc.

The tool includes rather straightforward reports and an extremely intuitive dashboard. These features allow you to not only organize your workflows in any way necessary but to track each step along the way.

If you're a self-employed architect, this cloud-based tool will help you save time and effort by eliminating paperwork and allowing you to focus on the core mission. Both features are so detailed that it makes all your accountant duties a walk in the park. Trust us; your accountant will thank you for using it.

Pricing overview

The initial price for FreshBooks starts at $7.50 per month. There's also a free version available, as well as a free trial. Those who decide to go for an annual plan get 10% off.

Platforms

●       Mobile - Android Native, iOS Native

●       Web, Saas, Cloud

Training methods

This is a perfect tool for organizing webinars, live online courses, and creating documentation.

Professional features

In terms of architecture, FreshBooks offers features for:

●       Contact and project management

●       Quotes/proposals

Who is it for

●       Self-employed

●       Architects

●       Accounting

●       Billing and invoicing

●       Construction accounting

●       Expense report

●       Financial management

●       Legal billing

●       Recurring billing

●       Time tracking

●       Managing time and expense

3. Bluebeam Revu - $249

Bluebeam Revu brings you a whole architecture studio at the reach of your hand. It's a perfect solution for architects who want to markup and edit PDF files. More importantly, this tool allows architects to team up and work on projects with their partners in real-time.

Bluebeam offers a wide range of solutions for modern architects to reduce project costs, improve internal and external communication, save time and effort, digitize workflows, and improve organization, project management capabilities, etc. This tool helps take the struggle out of doing any kind of document-intensive work.

Pricing overview

The initial price for Bluebeam Revu starts at $249 as a one-time payment per user. While a free version is unavailable, there is a free trial.

Platforms

●       Installed - Windows

●       Web, Saas, Cloud

Training methods

This is a perfect tool for live online interactions and organizing your documentation.

Professional features

●       Collaboration, Drawings integration

●       3D view

●       Cross-section creation

●       Elevation checking

●       Site balancing

●       Subcontractor management

●       Assembly takeoff

●       Electronic plans

●       Error checking

●       Slope routines

Who is it for

Bluebeam Revu is a perfect tool for any document-intensive industry in the world.

4. SketchUp - $299 per year

Modern architects need technology to track their performance and control workflows from the earliest stage to the end. This is extremely important as there are so many details, facts, and figures to think about. SketchUp makes things a lot easier, wherever drawings are included.

RFIs, documentation, plans, detailing, design development, diagramming, programming, SketchUp pro follows your every step of the way, making sure every stage is in order. Track and monitor everything from the earliest stage of design to the end of the project.

If you need 3D models for your project, you got it. Document your models, make documents to customize your work, and use add on tools to solve any 3D modeling problems that might come along. Make every architectural process, workflow, and task simple and easy while saving time and effort.

Pricing overview

The initial price for SketchUp starts at $299 per year, per user. The tool includes both a free version and a trial.

Platforms

SketchUp is available for:

●       Installed - Mac and Windows

●       Web, Saas, Cloud

Training methods

SketchUp is an excellent solution for in-person and webinar training, as well as organizing your documentation.

Professional features

●       2D drawing

●       3D modeling

●       Project and document management

●       Presentation tools

●       Landscape design

●       Data import and export

●       Virtual tour

●       Animation

●       Component library

●       Collaboration tools

●       3D CAD for architects

●       Architectural symbol library

●       Design_templates

●       Drafting

Who is it for

SketchUp is a perfect tool for:

●       Video game design

●       Film

●       Mechanical and civil engineering

●       Landscape architecture

●       Interior and architectural design

5. Chief Architect - $199 per month

Designed for professional architects, Chief Architect is a cutting edge tool that any serious architect simply can't do without. This software comes from the leading developer of 3D architectural software for home design.

It's intended for home DIY enthusiasts, architects, designers, builders, and remodeling professionals. If your work includes home design, there's no better high-quality software than this one.

Whether you're a designer or an architect, or you just partial for home improvement, this fantastic architectural software tool will take your workflow and organization to a whole new level.

Pricing overview

The initial price for Chief Architect starts at $199 per month, per user. While there is no free version of the product, there's a free trial available. Purchasing this product includes one year of SSA. It's also rentable.

Platforms

This software works on:

●       Installed - Mac and Windows

●       Mobile - Android and iOS native

Training methods

This is the perfect equipment for in-person and live online training, organizing webinars, and documentation.

Professional features

●       2D drawing

●       3D modeling

●       Building information modeling

●       Drafting

●       Presentation Tools

●       Component library

●       Virtual tour

●       Landscape design

Who is it for

●       Professionals

●       Designers

●       Architects

●       Remodelers

●       DIY home design

Conclusion

Each of these pieces of equipment is intended for helping architects realize their visions and bring their projects to life. Deciding which one is the best for you depends on your work, budget, and needs.

The most commonly used tools among modern architects are ArchiCAD and SketchUp, although there are many other affordable and great tools that might fit the bill. The five we mentioned here offer the highest level of flexibility at the most affordable prices.

These are cost-efficient software solutions that will allow you to not only beat your competition but upgrade your workflows and improve your working process. Beat the expectations of your clients by being one step ahead of them.

It's also important to mention that these tools have been an industry standard for a very long time. They allow modern architects to create more comprehensive designs, develop their skills, and build more functional and accurate models.

Take your knowledge and skills to a whole new level with the top class equipment and make your work stand out from the crowd. These are some of the most affordable and creative solutions for architects in the making.